We hit on a few long-term investments at wide receiver last week. With news breaking and injuries healing up, it’s time to talk about stashing running backs this week, if you can get to them first on the wire.
Adrian Peterson plead “no contest” to a lesser charge this week and got one step closer to returning to an NFL field. He’ll now have to face whatever suspension the NFL wants to throw at him…or none at all. There’s talk he could get credit for “time served” while he sat out on the exempt list these first 8 games and return as soon as Week 11. Keep in mind, the Vikings could still cut A.P. and force him to find work elsewhere this season if they choose to avoid the public relations nightmare they may receive upon his return. Regardless, Peterson should be on a roster until we hear more as a potential playoff RB1. Bet the house (50%) in FAAB if you need the help.
As much of an impact as A.P. could have on fantasy teams, Ryan Mathews is actually my preferred running back grab. He’s on a bye this week, but Mathews should return to the field in Week 11 as the Chargers’ starter. Branden Oliver filled in admirably for Mathews before struggling just enough these past few weeks to open the door for Mathews to take his job back. We know a little more about Mathews’ situation since there’s no chance of NFL suspension or being cut. Again, Mathews is probably worth a 50% bid if you need to put your money up to get him.
The Browns aren’t quite as excited about Ben Tate as they were to start the season when his production fell off without Alex Mack holding down the offensive line. Terrance West got the most work in Week 9, but I still like Isaiah Crowell from a talent perspective. Unfortunately, it seems no matter how much we talk about Crowell, he’s not going to see the field in any large role until West or Tate REALLY fail. I’d pickup West as a possible flex play this week but with expectations he could fall back below Tate on the depth chart. Crowell remains a sneaky stash if you’re playing the long game. Both can likely be had for cheap while your FAAB compatriots bid their hearts out on A.P. and Mathews.
Don’t forget about Charles Sims either. He didn’t see the field in Week 9, but he’s expected to play a role this week against the Falcons terrible defense, opening the door for a big, explosive debut.
Losing Nick Foles might not be the worst thing for fantasy teams as Mark Sanchez seemed just as effective in Chip Kelly’s offense in Week 9. It’s hard to expect him to turn into an elite QB1, but Sanchez does have some nice matchups over the next few weeks and the reigns of a potent, explosive offense. He’s, at worst, a serviceable option for those with a quarterback on bye. I’d grab Carson Palmer before Sanchez if Palmer’s still a free agent in your league. Both are worthy of 25% FAAB bids if that’s what it takes.
We are also still very big fans of the receivers we talked about last week.
Martavis Bryant had another big day and looks locked in as a red zone target for Big Ben. Justin Hunter should get some good looks this week after spending a bye working with Zach Mettenberger. Davante Adams will have a few high-scoring weeks in the future, and Donte Moncrief, while he didn’t get the touches last week with Reggie Wayne back, is a strong hold for his potential impact in that Colts’ offense later this season.
Good luck in Week 10.
